HJR 60 - AMEND U.S. CONSTITUTION TO LIMIT FEDERAL COURTS CHAIRMAN VEZEY opened HJR 60, sponsored by the State Affairs Committee, for discussion. REPRESENTATIVE SKAGGS, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in MISSOURI, requested HJR 60. CHAIRMAN VEZEY addressed HJR 60 as a resolution asking the Congress of the Unites States to prepare and present to the legislature of all the states, an amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This amendment would prohibit a federal court from ordering a state or political subdivision of a state, to increase or impose taxes. He noted HJR 60 would not have the power of law; it is simply a resolution. Number 334 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT felt HJR 60 was a good resolution. The resolution addressed mandates and the resolve clauses are verbatim, per REPRESENTATIVE SKAGGS' suggestions. CHAIRMAN VEZEY commented 26 states have already issued resolutions similar to HJR 60. REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS did not have a problem with the concept, but would like an example of the concern. He said it appeared that the federal courts were looking at ordering the imposition or increase of taxes, but when questioned the judges turned them away. CHAIRMAN VEZEY replied there are Supreme Court decisions specifically stating they have the right to impose or increase the taxes. Number 353 REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG looked to the second page of REPRESENTATIVE SKAGGS letter which states, "the Federal District Court, with the blessing of the United States Supreme Court, continues to order property tax increases..." for a specific purpose. Number 365 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT moved to pass HJR 60 from committee with individual recommendations, asking unanimous consent. CHAIRMAN VEZEY asked the committee secretary to call the roll, and HJR 60 passed unanimously from the House State Affairs Committee with individual recommendations.